Instructions for IPL / SHR Treatments

Thank you for choosing The Skin Hub for your IPL Treatment. Please read and follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call us at 0499 382 762.

 

Pre IPL Treatment Recommendations (Hair Removal)

  • Do not wax, pluck, use depilatory creams or undertake electrolysis for 4 weeks prior to treatment, and in between treatments.
  • Do not use prescription strength exfoliant creams (Retin-A and Alpha Hydroxy) for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Do not shave for up to 2 weeks prior to first treatment. Please shave the night before all subsequent treatments.
  • Avoid tanning, including self-tanning lotions, tanning bed/booths or sun exposure, for 4 weeks prior to and in between treatments. A sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater should be used on any area of sun-exposed skin, which you plan to treat.

 

Post IPL Treatment Recommendations (Hair Removal)

A mild sunburn-like sensation is anticipated. This usually resolves within 2-3 hours of treatment but may persist for up to 2 days. Application of chilled aloe vera gel or an ice pack every hour for 5 to 10 minutes may be soothing to the skin. Continue until symptoms subside.

Avoid sun exposure to treated areas. Apply a sun block with SPF 30 or greater daily to sun-exposed treated areas between treatments and for 4-6 weeks after last treatment.

Bathe or shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature sensitive. Avoid use of strongly scented lotions or soaps, prescription strength exfoliant creams, loofah sponges, and aggressive scrubbing to treated areas during healing phase.

Allow any blistered or open areas to heal spontaneously. If healing is delayed, a thin coating of Medicone Gel, available at the skin hub, may be advised. Do not pick at these areas. Picking may result in infection or scarring. Allow any crusting to heal spontaneously, crusting will resolve in 3 to 14 days.

Appearance of “stubble” may appear in 1 to 4 weeks. This is not hair re-growth. It is the remnant of treated hairs being expelled from the IPL-damaged follicle. Allow this hair to fall out of the skin on its own or by gently washing with a warm wet washcloth. Do not pluck or tweeze. You may shave during this period.

Best results are obtained on clients who have follow up treatment immediately after hair starts to grow. Your clinician will advise you when you should schedule your next appointment. It is important to adhere to this regime.

 

Post Treatment Recommendations - Pigmentation

A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually last 2 to 24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, which usually resolves in 2 to 3 days. In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur.

The treated area may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter. Apply cool/ice compresses to treatment areas for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the next 4 hours, as needed, to reduce discomfort and heat sensation.

The treated area will gradually turn darker over the next 24 to 48 hours. It may turn dark brown or even black.

The treated area will progress to scabs/crusting and will start flaking off in 2 to 3 days.

The treated area is usually healed in 7-10 days. It will continue to fade over the next 2 to 4 weeks.

Direct sunlight to the treated area should be avoided. Daily application of a SPF 30 is recommended to prevent development of new lesions.

There is a possibility of hair loss in the treated area, when being treated for pigmented lesions.

 

Post Treatment Recommendations - Vascular

Mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. It usually lasts 2 to 24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, which usually resolves in 2 to 3 days. This can be treated with cold packs.

Apply cool/ice compress to treatment areas for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the next 4 hours, as needed, to reduce discomfort and heat sensation.

The vessels undergo immediate greying or blanching. In some cases, only a slight purplish change is noted. Vessels either fully or partially resolve in about 10 to 14 days and areas of diffuse flushing gradually fade leaving skin with normal appearance.

 

IMPORTANT - With all IPL treatments described above, the following recommendations apply:

Until redness has completely resolved, avoid all of the following:

  • Applying cosmetics on treated areas
  • Swimming, especially in pools with chemical/chlorine
  • Hot tubs and jacuzzis
  • Activities that cause excessive perspiration
  • Avoid sun exposure to treated areas

Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs as this will cause unwanted side effects

Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 daily to sun exposed skin, AND REAPPLY AS DIRECTED BY PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS

Increased photosensitivity to UV, Laser and IPL can occur when taking certain medications. During your treatment program, if you have commenced or changed dosage with the following medications, you must advise your clinician:

  • Antibiotics – doxycycline (acne), minocycline, Tetracyclines, Sulphonamides
  • Antihistamines – Diphenhydramone, Cyproheptadine
  • Antidepressants
  • Herbal preparations – st Johns wort, Ginko Biloba, citrus oils, Herbal HRT therapies

Taking these medications does not exclude you from IPL treatments; however, extra precautions are applicable in these cases

 

Thank you again for trusting the staff at The Skin Hub with your treatment 😊